I remember the first time I ever saw someone breastfeed. I had met up with a friend who had had her first baby a couple of months ago. We were sitting in a café chatting and her son suddenly got fussy. She cooed at him and said in a sing-song voice “aww, are you hungry?” Before I could even register what was about to happen, little Tom was making loud sucking noises and I’d seen the quickest flash of my friend’s nipple. I remember being a bit surprised, while trying to act nonchalant.
A few years later when I had my own baby, I remembered the ease with which my friend had whipped her boob out — and it gave me the courage to do the same. The first time I was walking with Ada in her stroller, she suddenly started crying. She probably wasn’t even hungry, but I immediately panicked and wanted to comfort her as quickly as possible. I’ll admit that I was mostly motivated by the fact that I didn’t want strangers to think I was a bad mother. I found a bench and got as settled as I could; before I knew it she was calm and I could relax. As I took in my surroundings I was struck by the reaction of strangers. Some women, especially older ones, smiled at me and Ada. Others would just avoid looking at me all together. I couldn’t tell if it was out of politeness, awkwardness, or a mixture of both.
I’ve always been a fan of breastfeeding in public. After all, we eat our meals in public, why shouldn’t our babies? In America breastfeeding in public is a legal right in all 50 states, which is more than you can say for cannabis use or abortion. However, I fully understand that for some people it isn’t something that comes easily, or that they find it awkward. Here are some tips to help you started:
1. Practice
They say practice makes perfect! While that might not be as relevant an argument here, it definitely helps. Try feeding your baby in different chairs in the house, on benches, and outside in the garden.
2. Covers
There are a variety of nursing covers available, or you can use a large burp cloth. A word of warning: always be careful in the summer, because a baby under a cover can easily overheat. If a cover makes you feel more comfortable then great, but you don’t have to use one. I’ve found that with the right nursing clothing, the designs allow you to be discreet without the need to remember an extra thing.
3. Carriers
Carriers cannot make breastfeeding completely hands-free, but they can take on some of the baby’s weight. A ring sling is great for this, and even buckle carriers can be loosened to allow babies to get to the breast. Just remember to always keep your eyes on baby and ensure they have enough air flow around their nose and mouth.
4. Upright Feeding
Feeding in an upright (koala hold) or laid back position can be a game changer when you are nursing out and about. The baby’s weight is either supported by your tummy, or by the baby themselves if they are older. This means that you don’t need nursing pillows or chairs with arms to feed.
Feeling confident enough to nurse in public can be incredibly freeing. I like to think that the more women there are breastfeeding in public, the more other women will feel supported and encouraged to join in. Just remember to take a photo — the moment doesn’t have to be perfect, but this phase is short: you will cherish those memories years later!
Breastfeeding may be natural, but it isn’t always easy! Find help from a lactation consultant on the Seacoast by checking out this list.
